Harry announced in January 2020 that he and the Duchess of Sussex would be stepping back from their royal duties. In June of that year, the couple moved to California, where they currently reside with their two children. After retreating from royal life, Harry and Meghan’s right to police security in the U.K. was removed by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures. In 2023, the Duke challenged the decision in court, offering to pay for police protection himself.

In a rare interview during his trip to South Africa, Prince William discussed the challenging year he has endured. He shared how incredibly difficult the past year has been.

He highlighted the harsh realities many families face, explaining that cancer can be an unyielding presence. Reflecting on his family’s struggles, he noted that it was the most difficult year of his life. His grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, called 1992 her “annus horribilis” due to her children’s marital problems and the fire at Windsor Castle. However, this year, William has endured even greater hardship, earning admiration from royal supporters.

William shared that losing his mother at the age of 15 was a devastating experience, especially since he had to walk behind her coffin just six days later. He expressed pride in both his wife and father for their strength and resilience during such a challenging time. However, he also acknowledged the personal impact on his family, particularly regarding the tension between him and his brother, and emphasized the importance of love in guiding future actions.

He ended with a message of love, joy, happiness, and hope, stressing that with faith and strength, they could make the changes they desired. When asked about Catherine’s health after her difficult journey, he assured that she was doing well and likely cheering him on. While some reports mentioned she had returned to training, other conflicting reports suggested that King Charles was also dealing with his own health issues.